New Ontario AED Requirements on Construction Projects (O. Reg. 157/25)

AED Grant Program for Eligible Construction Projects

In addition to the new AED requirement under O. Reg. 157/25, the Ministry has approved a separate regulation that creates an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Grant Program for eligible construction projects.

Based on current information, a constructor may be eligible for a grant if all of the following conditions are met:

• You are the constructor of the project, as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

• The project is expected to last at least three months from January 1, 2026.

• You regularly employ 20 or more workers on the project.

• There is always a trained first aider on site when work is in progress.

• The AED is licensed by Health Canada as a medical device.

• The AED is purchased between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027.

• You submit only one AED reimbursement application per eligible project.

Grant applications are scheduled to open on January 1st.

This section is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace official regulations or legal advice. Constructors should consult official Ontario regulations and resources from the WSIB and the Ministry for the most up-to-date program information.

New AED Requirements on Ontario Construction Sites

Effective January 1, 2026, constructors of many construction projects in Ontario will have new legal obligations under O. Reg. 157/25 – Construction Projects, Occupational Health and Safety Act. The amendment to O. Reg. 213/91 adds section 27.1, which requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on certain worksites and their maintenance to specific standards.

This article summarizes the key requirements in plain language. For the full legal text, consult the official regulation on the e-Laws Ontario website.

When is an AED required on a project?

Under the new section 27.1(1) of O. Reg. 213/91 (as amended by O. Reg. 157/25), the constructor must ensure that an AED is installed and maintained on a project if both of the following conditions are met:

• Twenty or more workers are regularly employed on the project; and

• The work is expected to last three months or more.

Projects with an anticipated duration of less than three months are exempt from this requirement (see 27.1(10)).

What type of AED is required?

Section 27.1(2) states that:

The defibrillator must be licensed by Health Canada as a medical device.

In practice, this means you must purchase an AED with a valid medical device license issued by Health Canada.

Need a compliant AED for your projects?

We supply Health Canada licensed AEDs suitable for construction sites in Ontario, including Zoll, Philips, Stryker, and LIFEPAK models.

Mandatory Accessories to Keep with the AED

Section 27.1(3) lists the items that must be kept with each AED and maintained or replaced as needed:

• A CPR mask

• A pair of scissors

• Two pairs of disposable medical gloves

• A disposable razor

• A waste bag

• Four absorbent towels

These items must be checked regularly to ensure they are available and in good working order at all times.

AED Storage and Location

In accordance with Section 27.1(4), the AED and required items must be stored in a suitable location that:

• Consolidates all equipment; the AED and its accessories must be kept together as a kit.

• Protects against dust, moisture, and site contaminants so as not to impair function.

• Is clearly identified by signage that complies with AED requirements (see below).

• Is clear and easily accessible.

• If outdoors, protects against extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Section 27.1(5) also requires:

• Signs adjacent to the AED; and

• Additional signs throughout the construction site indicating the AED's location.

AED Signage Requirements

According to Section 27.1(6), each sign must include:

• A graphic symbol depicting a heart containing a lightning bolt; and

• Text in English or French:

  • English: "Automated External Defibrillator" or "AED"

  • French: "Défibrillateur Externe Automatisé" or "DEA"

Ensure that any custom signage includes both the required symbol and text or acronym.

Maintenance, Testing, and Inspection Records

Section 27.1(7) requires that the AED be:

• Maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; and

• Inspected quarterly by a competent worker, also in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

According to Section 27.1(8), a record of these inspections must be kept with the AED and include:

• The date of each inspection

• The name and signature of the competent worker who performed it

Many companies use a tag or inspection log attached to the AED cabinet or case to meet this requirement.

Training Requirements

Section 27.1(9) provides that:

At all times when work is in progress on a project, a worker trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of a defibrillator must be present.

In practice, constructors should:

• Identify trained CPR/AED workers

• Schedule so that at least one trained worker is present on site at all times

• Keep training records in health and safety documentation

Regulation Effective Date

Section 2 of O. Reg. 157/25 states that:

• The regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026.

Preparing for the January 1, 2026 AED Requirement

To comply with O. Reg. 157/25, constructors should:

• Choose a Health Canada licensed AED suitable for their sites

• Implement adequate storage and required accessories (mask, gloves, razor, towels, etc.)

• Establish a quarterly inspection and record-keeping process

• Ensure at least one CPR/AED trained worker is present when work is in progress

How Cardio Choc can help you comply?

• Health Canada licensed AEDs, accessories, and cabinets from leading brands: Zoll, Philips, Stryker, and LIFEPAK

Need help choosing the right AED during the reimbursement period?

• Call us at 1-888-339-8006 to speak with our team about compliant AED options for your projects.

Where to Consult the Full Legal Text

For complete and up-to-date information, consult the official regulation directly on e-Laws:

O. Reg. 157/25: Construction Projects, Occupational Health and Safety Act